Palace And Proud: From The Ground

20 May 2016

The final round-up of our fan comments are from those who were at Selhurst Park on the Eagles’ final home game of the season.

Have a look back at all three Palace And Proud articles, and see if you recognise anyone’s name on the list! Don’t forget to share your stories and tell us why you’ll be supporting the Eagles at Wembley by tweeting @CPFC.

Theresa, NHS secretary, Norfolk - “I was born in south London and started following Palace in my teenage years when it was still turnstiles and all standing! I’ve moved away since and now live in Norfolk but still come every week. The FA Cup final is massive, Manchester United are favourites but all I want is we give a good account of ourselves - that we can hold our heads up high and it’s an entertaining game.”

Nina, retired, Portsmouth - “I’ve been a supporter since I was fourteen and I’m now nearly seventy. I used to live up here but moved down to Portsmouth and come 65 miles each way to follow my Palace. I saw the 1990 final and the 1976 semi-final at Stamford Bridge when we played Southampton, I go back ages! We need to avenge United this time, it means a lot. I’ve got my ticket and I can’t wait.

Nathan, son of old Wimbledon FC’s kit man - “I grew up around Selhurst and spent all my childhood here because my dad was kit man for Wimbledon and when they were based at the ground I came to every Wimbledon home game. I’ve always had a soft spot for Palace and I come every now and again with my friends. I’ll be watching the final, I think Cabaye will get the winner, it’s going to be a tough game but I think they’ll do it.”

Rob, Property Manager, Croydon - “I was ten when we last got to the final and that’s what got me in to football in the first place. I didn’t support a team, and then Palace got to the Cup final and you realise there’s someone to support local and that’s when the love affair started. It’s been 26 years and I didn’t think it would happen again, we’re moving forward as a club and it’s a good feeling.”

Stuart, Co-op, Essex - “I was born in Crystal Palace but live in Essex now and travel down for every game. It’s a bit over 60 miles each way but it’s worth it, it’s where I was born, it’s my local team. I’m taking my son to Wembley which will be massive for him. The atmosphere is going to be the loudest it’s ever been and whatever happens it’s going to be really good. I was nine when we got to the final last time so I can’t wait.”

James, HMRC, Addington - “I’ve supported Palace since I was about six years-old, moved up from the south coast recently and now live locally. My step dad used to take me, taught me how to kick a football and used to bring me to games. We’ve got tickets to the cup final and I can see Wilf doing it for us, stepping up against his old club and getting the winner.”

Leo, Pupil, Bishop Justus School, Bromley - “I support Palace because of my uncle, my mum, my dad, my brother. I’ve been a season ticket holder for eight years and I’ve got a ticket to the Cup final. I’m going to wear my Palace flag, hat, shirt and tracksuit and going to wear it all. It’s going to be intense but I think we’re going to win. Wickham, Bolasie Puncheon, and Zaha – all of them are going to score and it’ll be 4-0.”

Sam, PE teacher, Cambridge - “Following Palace has always been a family thing, all my family are supporters and it’s because it still feels like a small club and it’s friendly. Coming here on a Saturday is a nice thing to do together and we go to away games too. We always have to leave really early, even home games, so we usually have a pre-game McDonalds drive-thru on the way!”

CLICK HERE for full details of the match being shown live at Selhurst Park Stadium.